A Penniless Boy Chew Joo Chiat book launch on 29 July 2017 at the Marine Parade Public Library
A
Penniless Boy, Chew Joo Chiat book was successfully launched on 29th
July 2017 morning at the Marine Parade Public Library. All the seats
were fully occupied and overflowed to the cafeteria at the back. Many
sat on the barrier boxes while others stood to one side as shown in
the picture. I wish to thank all present for their interest and
support.
Speech
at the book launch
This
book started modestly as my chewjoochiat blog. It was intended
to put right all inaccurate accounts about my great grandfather, Chew
Joo Chiat found in newspapers, books and websites. It was very
annoying to read these fictitious accounts of him. I was even more
frustrating and embarrassing to then realised that I too knew very
little about my great grandfather.
It
is by no means a comprehensive account of the man.
At the moment I only have glimses
of him and his achievement. There is still a lot more to do after
this publication.
Joo
Chiat is known for its food, Peranakan architecture, local bars
and nocturnal activities. I am glad that the latter activity has
since calmed down and more creative type businesses have sprung up
giving it a more gentrified and bohemian feel.
Very
few Singaporeans know about the man whose name is synonymous with the
area. The reason is because during Chew Joo Chiat’s life
time, he kept a very low profile and he was not prominent in
Singapore society. I could not find his name in the book of Singapore
Pioneers, One Hundred Years' History of Chinese in Singapore, Early
History of Chinese Community and other books.
Chew
Joo Chiat was from Xiamen.He came here for his Singapore
Dream. Eking a living in the late Qing dynasty was very tough. He
landed in Singapore as a penniless young man. But with grit,
determination, good foresight and business acumen, he soon became a
very successful business man.
My
research showed that his business interests were pretty wide ranging
– he was a planter, a property developer , a ship chandlery
business, a timber trader, founder of a bank amongst others. He was early
pioneer who made significant contribution to the nation in the area
of economy, commerce, finance and development.
Joo
Chiat died on 5th February
1926 and left behind his name as a legacy in Joo Chiat. To
quote a Chinese metaphor: When a tiger dies, it leaves its
skin. When a man dies, he leaves his name.
Refreshment
and autographing books
Together with ESM Goh Chok Tong at Joo Chiat CC
